Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Ingredients

• 1 large onion (about 400 g), cut into petals (root left intact)
• 6 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 4 tbsp milk
• 120 g panko breadcrumbs
• salt, cooking oil spray
• 4 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1/2 tsp horseradish, to taste (optional)

Steps

1. Slice the onion into 12-16 wedges from the top down, stopping about 1cm from the root so it stays attached and 'blooms' open. Gently separate the petals.
2. Mix the flour, cayenne, paprika and garlic powder in one bowl. Whisk the eggs and milk together in a second bowl. Put the panko in a third.
3. Dunk the onion in the seasoned flour, working it between the petals, then into the egg wash, then into the panko, pressing crumbs between every layer.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 190°C for 3 minutes.
5. Place the onion bloom-side up in the basket and spray generously with oil, getting between the petals.
6. Air fry for 18-20 minutes, spraying again halfway through, until deeply golden and crisp all over.
7. Whisk the mayonnaise, ketchup and horseradish together for the dipping sauce.
8. Let the onion rest for 2 minutes, then gently fan the petals open further and serve with the sauce in the center.

Tip: Push the coating well down into the gaps between petals at every stage - a blooming onion gets its crunch from the breading on EVERY surface, not just the outer edges, and most of the petals are hidden inside the bloom where it's easy to skip them.

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Nutrition (per serving)

Estimated from standard ingredient data — actual values vary by brand and exact quantities used.

Serving & Storage